Android Dark Mode: How to try out Android 10’s headline feature
There are loads of new Android 10 features to look forward to, but the headline act is probably the hotly anticipated dark mode. That’s right, Google is introducing a system-wide dark mode in the next version of its mobile OS, which should be easier on your eyes and your phone’s battery (if it’s got an OLED display).
The feature’s official name is actually ‘Dark Theme’, but by our reckoning the majority of people are going to keep referring to it as ‘Dark Mode’. And despite the fact that Android 10 hasn’t officially started rolling out yet − it’s expected to launch imminently − you can try out Android’s new dark mode early.
Read on for instructions, as well as more information about dark mode.
Hello Dark Theme, our new friend. Launching in #AndroidQ, lighting up less pixels means saving more battery life. #io19 pic.twitter.com/2hPQEz5twG
— Google (@Google) May 7, 2019
How to enable Android Dark Mode
As mentioned above, the final version of Android 10 hasn’t yet been released, but you can try out dark mode right now by signing up to the Android 10 beta.
The Android 10 beta is currently open to all generations of the Pixel phone, as well as the Huawei Mate 20 Pro, OnePlus 6T and plenty more. Unfortunately, the Android 10 installation process is different for different phone manufacturers. Just follow the link below for full Android 10 sign-up instructions.
Read more: How to install Android Q
- If you use a Pixel phone, you’ll be able to activate dark mode in Android 10 by swiping down from the top of your display and tapping Battery Saver.
- For other handsets, you’ll be able to tun on dark mode in Android 10 either by going to Settings > Display > Dark Theme.
Happy ?, happy ❤️. On #AndroidQ when you turn on Battery Saver, Dark Theme turns on too so you can go further on a charge. pic.twitter.com/7kOKYwMQwT
— Android (@Android) July 3, 2019
Does Android Dark Mode save battery?
As you can see, when you activate dark mode, the Android user interface will switch from white to black.
Google is working on making all of its apps dark mode-compatible too, and they’ll switch from light to black as soon as you activate dark mode on your phone. The developers behind third-party apps are being encouraged to follow Google’s lead.
Dark mode’s claimed benefits are listed below:
- Can reduce power usage, particularly on OLED screen-toting handsets
- Improves visibility for users with low vision and those who are sensitive to bright light
- Makes it easier for anyone to use a device in a low-light environment
“Your OLED display is one of the most power-hungry components in your phone, so by lighting up less pixels, we’ll save you battery,” Google said.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
